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Major Union Backing For Mt. Vernon Mayoral Candidate

Walker, who has been the city's comptroller since 1994, has outlined as her goals to: Spark economic growth and create jobs; fight the recent spike in violent crime; reform city government by making it more open and accountable

[Politics]

Maureen Walker, Democratic candidate for Mayor of Mount Vernon was endorsed by 1199 SEIU—one of the largest and fastest growinghealthcare unions in the country— today.

"We need a leader like Maureen Walker now more than ever before," said George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. "During these tough economic times, we need a mayor who will create jobs and strenghthen the economy."

Gresham said the union tapped Walker "because we believe she has integrity, she knows the issues that affect working people, and we trust she will move Mount Vernon in the right direction."

1199 SEIU represents over 350,000 members in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida and Washington D.C. The union advocates for affordable quality healthcare.

Walker, who has been the city's comptroller since 1994, has outlined as her goals to: Spark economic growth and create jobs; fight the recent spike in violent crime; reform city government by making it more open and accountable; reduce the tax burden on homeowners and businesses, and; make new recreational facilities available to youth.

“I am honored that the hardworking men and women of 1199 have decided to support me in my bid for mayor of Mount Vernon," Walker said. “I look forward to working with such an outstanding coalition of healthcare and social service workers known for its tenacity, strong advocacy and collaborative spirit in order to restore our city to its former glory.”

As comptroller, for the past 17 years, she helped to produce on-going budget surpluses and enabled the city to keep property tax increases to a minimum. She is the first woman, the first African-American and the first person of Caribbean descent to serve as Comptroller of the City of Mount Vernon.

Walker is a Certified Public Accountant, and holds an MBA in Finance from the University of New Haven and a B.Sc. in Accounting fromBrooklyn College.